Private Medical Abortion (‘The Pill’)

A Medical abortion is primarily used to terminate an early pregnancy. It’s an option for women up to 10 weeks pregnant and involves taking two types of medication. The first medication, mifepristone, works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Medical abortion is highly effective, with a success rate of about 95% to 98% when the medications are taken as directed. It’s important to follow up with your specialist to ensure the process is complete and to address any complications or incomplete abortion.

After taking the second medication, misoprostol, you can expect to start seeing results within a few hours. This usually involves bleeding and cramping, which indicates that the uterus is expelling the pregnancy. The process can vary from person to person, but most women pass the pregnancy within 24 hours after taking misoprostol. It’s important to have a follow-up appointment with your specialist to ensure the abortion was complete and to check your health.

You can have a medical abortion up to 10 weeks (70 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period. After this time, the method and considerations for ending a pregnancy change, so it’s crucial to seek advice as soon as possible if you’re considering this option.

Depending on your situation, you might consider a surgical abortion, which is another method of ending a pregnancy. There are also support services available if you’re considering continuing with the pregnancy, including counseling and adoption services. It’s important to explore all your options and feelings before making a decision.

Having a previous medical abortion does not necessarily prevent you from having another. However, your specialist will need to assess your individual health circumstances and any potential risks. It’s important to discuss your medical history openly during your consultation.

The decision to tell your partner(s) about a medical abortion is a personal one and varies from person to person. There is no legal requirement to do so, but it can be beneficial to have support from someone close to you. Consider what feels right for you and your situation. Remember, your specialist is there to support you with confidentiality and care throughout this process.

This involves taking a dose of mifepristone first, followed by a dose of misoprostol 24 to 48 hours later. The misoprostol can be taken orally or inserted vaginally, depending on your provider’s advice. Make sure to follow the specific guidance given to you.

No. A follow up appointment is only necessary if there is concern that the pregnancy has not been resolved.

It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and can make it more difficult for your body to recover. Staying hydrated with water or other non-alcoholic beverages is a good practice.

While taking this medication, avoid doing anything that requires your full attention or physical strength until you know how the medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness or weakness. Also, avoid inserting anything into the vagina, such as tampons, for at least 2 weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

To help the effectiveness of this medication, follow all the instructions given by your specialist closely. Staying hydrated and resting can also support your body’s recovery process. There’s no specific food or activity that increases the medication’s effectiveness, but overall wellness supports your health during this time.

This medication should not be used in conjunction with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for medical abortion without consulting your specialist. Some substances or treatments might interfere with the medication’s effectiveness or increase the risk of complications. Always discuss any additional treatments with your provider first.

Common signs that the abortion has been successful include the cessation of pregnancy symptoms and the onset of bleeding, similar to or slightly heavier than a menstrual period, followed by a decrease in bleeding.

Furthermore, to ensure your medical abortion has worked, we provide you with a pregnancy test to carry out after three weeks of taking the second set of tablets. In the event that the pregnancy test is still reactive, we will request you to get in touch with our clinical team for further care.

If a medical abortion hasn’t worked, it means the pregnancy hasn’t been fully terminated. This is rare, but it’s important to address promptly. Your specialist might recommend a repeat dose of the medication or discuss other options, such as a surgical procedure, to ensure your safety and health are prioritized. They will guide you through the next steps, providing the support and information you need to make an informed decision.

For pain relief after a medical abortion, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be effective. It’s important to avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding. Always follow the recommended dosages on the package and consult with your specialist before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for you, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Recovery time after a medical abortion can vary from person to person, but most individuals start to feel better each day after the procedure. It’s common for the recovery process to take a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself time to rest and heal. If you have any concerns about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

It’s normal to experience bleeding and cramping during the first couple of weeks after a medical abortion. The bleeding may be similar to or slightly heavier than a normal period and can last for several days. Mild to moderate cramping is also common. However, if you experience very heavy bleeding (soaking through more than two pads an hour for two hours or more), severe abdominal pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge, these could be signs of a complication, and you should seek medical attention right away. It’s important to follow up with your specialist for a check-up to ensure everything is progressing as it should.

The medication used for a medical abortion can cause several side effects, which are usually temporary. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, fever, chills, and headaches. You might also experience heavy bleeding and cramping as the body expels the pregnancy, which is a normal part of the process. It’s important to have access to comfort measures and pain relief during this time.

Long-term risks associated with medication used for medical abortion are very rare. The procedure is considered safe and does not affect your ability to have children in the future. Most individuals can return to their normal activities relatively quickly and do not experience lasting physical effects. However, if you have any specific health concerns or pre-existing conditions, it’s important to discuss these with your specialist.

If you’re experiencing side effects, it’s important to monitor their severity and duration. For mild symptoms like nausea or diarrhea, over-the-counter remedies might help. For pain, you can use the pain relief medication recommended by your specialist. If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more pads an hour for two hours or more), severe abdominal pain, fever that lasts more than 24 hours, or any other symptoms that concern you, it’s crucial to contact your specialist immediately. They can offer guidance, support, and, if necessary, medical intervention to ensure your safety and well-being.

Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.

For more information about our STI tests, please visit this page: https://clarewellclinics.co.uk/sexual-health-clinic.

It’s completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions after a medical abortion, including relief, sadness, guilt, or a mix of these feelings. Everyone’s experience is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Support is available through various channels. Consider reaching out to a trusted specialist who can recommend counseling services or support groups. Organizations dedicated to reproductive health may also offer resources and support networks. Counseling is typically provided by organizations such as Abortion Recovery Care & Helpline (ARCH), Lifecharity, or even through a referral from a GP for private counseling.

Talking about your experience can be healing. Start by choosing a quiet, comfortable time and place. Be honest about your feelings and needs, and only share as much as you’re comfortable with. It’s okay to set boundaries about what you’re willing to discuss.

It’s advisable to wait until you feel physically and emotionally ready to resume sexual activity, which could be a few weeks. Follow your specialist’s advice, especially if they’ve given specific recommendations based on your medical situation.

You can start using contraception immediately after a medical abortion to prevent an unintended pregnancy. You can discuss with our specialists to choose the best option for you.

Unfortunately, it is difficult Your contraception options include pills, IUDs, implants, condoms, and more. The best choice depends on your health, lifestyle, and preferences. Our specialists can help you weigh the pros and cons of each method and advise you on when your periods may return to normal.

It’s generally safe to try to get pregnant again after your next menstrual period, but it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with a specialist to ensure your body has fully recovered.

Most people can resume normal activities like work and light exercise within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous activity for a bit longer. Listen to your body and consult your specialist for personalized advice.

Avoid inserting anything into the vagina, such as tampons, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a week to allow your body time to heal.

Focus on a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins to support recovery. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest can also help your body heal.

Your next period should arrive in about 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion. It might be heavier or lighter than usual. If you’re concerned about your period or if it hasn’t returned after 8 weeks, reach out to your specialist.

Your menstrual cycle should return to its regular pattern within a few cycles. A medical abortion typically doesn’t have long-term effects on your menstrual cycle.

There’s no evidence to suggest that a medical abortion will affect your long-term health, provided it’s carried out under proper medical supervision.

The government collects data using HSA1/HSA4 forms, which are confidential and not included in general medical records. This data is primarily used as a statistical tool. The government also uses the data to ensure that the process and procedure remain legal.

You have the right to confidentiality and privacy regarding your medical records and treatment. Laws vary by location, but specialists are generally required to keep your information private, with few exceptions related to specific legal or safety concerns.